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LibraryFranchise resource center
Guides, articles, FAQs, comparisons and checklists to help you understand the process of investing in a franchise in the United States.
Step-by-step guides
Educational content organized by topic.
Beginner’s guide
The six basics before you invest.
Read more →Investment
What the investment includes and how to plan it.
Read more →Buying process
The stages from research to opening.
Read more →Official sources: FTC – A Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Franchise · IFA – Franchising Economic Outlook
Articles by category
Franchises
What they are and how they work.
Read more →Franchise costs
Initial investment and ongoing costs.
Read more →Franchise types
Industries, models and formats.
Read more →Requirements
What to consider before buying.
Read more →Financing
Options to finance the investment.
Read more →Blog
Our latest posts.
Go to the blog →Videos
Frequently asked questions
General answers to the most common questions about franchising, investment and visas.
Compare and learn
Understanding the differences between alternatives helps you focus your search.
Checklist before you sign
A general list to organize your review. It does not replace professional advice.
- I defined my total budget, including working capital and a cushion for surprises.
- I received the FDD and respected the minimum 14-day period before signing or paying.
- I reviewed Items 5, 6, 7, 19, 20 and 21 of the FDD.
- I spoke with at least five current franchisees and, if possible, former ones.
- I had the agreement reviewed by a franchise attorney.
- I validated the territory, location and local competition.
- I prepared a business plan and projections with an accountant.
- If I need a visa, I reviewed my immigration strategy with an immigration attorney before investing.
How to use these franchise resources
These resources are educational. Use them to ask better questions and to review each brand with care before you make an investment decision.
Start with the FDD
The Federal Trade Commission’s Franchise Rule requires franchisors to give you their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before you sign a contract or pay any money. The FDD has 23 numbered Items. Item 19 covers any earnings claims and Item 21 includes the franchisor’s financial statements. Our guides explain what to look for in each part.
Talk to current franchisees
According to the FTC, talking to current and former franchisees may be the most reliable way to verify what a franchisor tells you. Use our checklists to prepare questions about real costs, training, support and how long it took them to open.
Understand the market
The International Franchise Association (IFA) projects about 845,000 franchise establishments in the United States in 2026, close to 8.9 million jobs and more than $920 billion in economic output. These figures describe the whole sector; they do not predict the results of any single brand or location.
Plan your investment and financing early
Since March 1, 2026, SBA 7(a) and 504 loans require owners to be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals with their principal residence in the United States, so visa holders and green card holders do not qualify. If you are an international investor, review the financing options in our investment section before you choose a brand.
Connect the visa question
For many international entrepreneurs, the franchise decision and the immigration strategy go together. Our visa resources summarize public USCIS information on the E-2, L-1 and EB-5 categories. They are general information only: every case is different and no investment guarantees a visa.
Get professional advice
The FTC also suggests talking to an accountant and a lawyer before you sign. A certified franchise broker can help you compare brands, but the due diligence and the final decision remain yours.
Sources: FTC, A Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Franchise · IFA, 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook · SBA · USCIS
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